The sitemap is a single webpage that includes a list of the text links to each and every webpage or content location that is contained on the website. It is an incredibly easy way for search engines to access information about the content of a website. The sitemap is actually an XML file that includes a list of the URLs for the site. Metadata might also be included with the URLs. Sitemaps can be looked at as a source of supplemental information for web crawlers.

The sitemap acts as a central location for locating all of your webpages quickly and effortlessly. Additionally, each webpage links back to the sitemap. Sitemaps are included on most websites, especially large, complicated websites that could be difficult for web users to navigate without the benefit of the sitemap. Clicking on the navigational bar directing you to the website’s sitemap should take you to a single page where the links are listed in hierarchical order.

• A sitemaps.org explanation
• Wikipedia explanation of Site Map
• Wiki explanation of Sitemap

Website architecture refers to one of the approaches that can be taken for the design and planning of websites. As such, it takes into account three facets of the website: the functional, the technical, and the aesthetic aspect. The primary focus of website architecture is the website user and his needs. Website Architecture involves the organization of website content. Simple architecture for your website is not only beneficial to the user, but also to the search engine spiders.

Website Architecture provides a way to visualize a website and all of its sections. In order to create the architecture, it is necessary to determine the areas the website will include, the pages that are needed, and the content that you need. It is the blueprint or layout design for the website. Each website typically has a top level that includes the landing or home pages such as the home page, about us page, etc. The website also includes a second level, which contains all of the pages beneath the top layer or the ones that you navigate to from the top-level pages.

• Wikipedia explanation of website architecture
• Website architecture 101
• A blog post on the relationship between website architecture and seo

XML is the acronym used for extensible Markup Language. It is a lightweight version of SGML and is designed for use with Web documents including content and images. In particular, it is designed to provide a more organised and efficient delivery of information throughout the Internet. XHTML is the XML version created from HTML.

Markup Language is used to identify the structures of the content in Web documents. XML is designed to provide structure to the content, to store it, and to transport it. Basically, XML is designed to simplify various aspects of web development by simplifying data storage as well as data sharing. An XML feed defines the process of a search engine being fed information via XML rather than the typical method of crawling the Web. XML can be used to simplify the process of changing the display of data with less work than HTML. Since separate XML files can be stored, changes in the underlying data do not have to go through massive changes.

• A Wikipedia explanation of XML
• XML developer resource
• An XML technical introduction
• W3 Schools tutorial on XML